Italia, A Story in Layers

I am Italian, and recently, I have been deeply exploring my cultural identity and what it truly means to be Italian. I hesitate to embrace and openly express that I am Italian because others often question me based on my appearance. Family is the heart of my life, and learning about my heritage has been an inspiring journey. This project has allowed me to fully step into my cultural identity with pride.

To represent my heritage, I chose collage as my medium—a way to break preconceived notions and weave together my personal experiences with my family’s history; in my case, assumptions about what it means to “look” Italian. At the core of Italian culture is the deep bond of family, which is why I have centered my work around a traditional Italian dinner table. The iconic red and white checkered tablecloth serves as a symbol of warmth, tradition, and shared connection, reflecting the essence of what it means to be Italian. Around the table, I have placed three chairs, each holding deep meaning: one for my father, one for my grandmother, and one for myself. These three chairs represent the bridge between generations, the passing down of stories, values, and love. Above the table, a portrait collage hangs, tying all of these elements together. This project is a tribute to the love and sacrifices that have been passed down generations.